My parents gave me a stupid name

A Chinese couple tried to name their baby “@,” claiming the character used in e-mail addresses echoed their love for the child, an official trying to whip the national language into line said Thursday.

The unusual name stands out especially in Chinese, which has no alphabet and instead uses tens of thousands of multi-stroke characters to represent words.

When he learned his name, the kid left a surprise in his diaper for his parents. [Reuters]

Nickelodeon fights fat kids

Fat kids beware! Nickelodeon announces intentions to set junk food limitations for its television characters, according to new reports. In particular, the restrictions will apply to “use of its licensed characters on food packaging for products that do not meet certain health criteria.”

In addition, Nickelodeon characters will also no longer be allowed to read fake newspapers other than those printed on recycled paper, drive non-Hybrid toon cars or purchase any/all ACME products until the company agrees to cease animal testing. [Jossip]

Nothing beats the safety of a $1,35 Chinese toy bought at the Dollar Store and that’s why “Chinese-made toys are overwhelmingly safe,” the official Chinese news agency claimed on Friday. (A week after Mattel pulled goods because of fears about lead in paint on Chinese toys.)

“Although there are a few problems with some made-in-China toys, generally the safety quality is worthy of being trusted,” the official Xinhua news agency told Reuters citing unknown officials.

So, you see little John, you don’t have to be afraid anymore! Suck on your $1,35 Chinese toy made with plastic from Chernobyl. Xinhua said it’s safe and if Xinhua says it’s safe, then it must be.  :)